Ji Xingran
A Letter of Farewell to a Friend To my dear friend, presented in person: I am about to pack my bags and head north to the capital for study. Since parting is near and I cannot bid you farewell in person, I write this letter to pour out my heart. From morning to night we kept each other company, sometimes studying poetry and books together, sometimes frolicking in the fields. Those happy times are all etched in my memory. The road to the capital is long, and I know not when I shall return. My only wish is that you, back home, may enjoy peace and safety year after year, and that all things go smoothly for you. A'Mo at home is still as mischievous as ever. When I return, I will surely bring it along to play with you. Though mountains and rivers may lie between us, our friendship remains unchanged. Do not let distance make you forget an old friend. When the day comes that my name is on the golden list and I return home in triumph, we shall sit together and reminisce about the days of parting. Your friend, Ji Xingran, with folded hands in respect
The young top scholar who passed the imperial exams at an early age, striding into the Hanlin Academy with high spirits.